Guardiola, Chelsea‘s No 1 choice to replace Rafael Benítez at Stamford Bridge, will replace current Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes when the German’s contract runs out at the end of June 2013.

The 41 year-old has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in the summer.

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “Pep Guardiola is one of the most successful coaches in the world and we are sure that he can make not just Bayern, but all of German football shine.

“We are very pleased that we have managed to convince the football expert Pep Guardiola, who was coveted and contacted by many top clubs, to come to Bayern Munich,” Rummenigge added.

Speaking on Wednesday, Guardiola said he hoped to work in the Premier League “in the future”, citing English fans’ commitment to their clubs as one of the main reasons he would like to manage in England.

Asked to give a tribute to the FA on its 150th anniversary, Guardiola delivered a eulogy to English football. He never played for an English club, although he was linked to moves to Manchester United and City.

“As a player, I couldn’t realise my dream to play there,” said Guardiola. “But I hope in the future, I have a challenge to be a coach or a manager there and feel the experience of all the coaches and players that have been there.”

Guardiola’s decision to swap Spain for Germany will be seen as a symptomatic of the Bundesliga‘s growing strength. Bayern were defeated finalists last season, and champions Borussia Dortmund are among the favourites for this year’s competition under their exciting young manager Jürgen Klopp – a man who is about to be tested against the very best.